In an exclusive conversation, actress Gitikka Ganju Dhar shares her excitement about the massive success of the film Dhurandhar. She reveals how this project has transformed her career trajectory and brought a storm of positive energy into her life.
The Dhurandhar Storm: A Career Leap
Gitikka Ganju Dhar describes Dhurandhar as a significant leap in her professional journey. She expresses complete enjoyment of what she calls the "Dhurandhar storm." According to her, it feels like a constant disco playing in her head, with the phrase "Ramba Ho" echoing throughout her experience.
The actress, who portrays Shabnam Jamali in Aditya Dhar's blockbuster, cannot contain her enthusiasm when discussing the film. She acknowledges how Dhurandhar has altered the course of her career in remarkable ways.
Working with Bollywood's Finest
Gitikka shares delightful insights about collaborating with the stellar cast of Dhurandhar. She particularly marvels at Ranveer Singh's behavior on set, describing him as kind, empathetic, and well-behaved. She credits his mother for doing a great job in raising him, noting that Ranveer emerges as a glorious winner in every aspect.
Regarding other co-stars, she observes that Rakesh Bedi maintains an easy and relaxed demeanor while waiting for shots, but delivers powerful performances once the camera rolls. Akshaye Khanna, she notes, follows his own acting process consistently. Gitikka appreciates that the industry has recently been elevating talented actors to well-deserved recognition.
Journey Through Multiple Roles
Reflecting on her three-decade career, Gitikka traces her path from television anchoring to live event hosting, writing, and now acting. She describes this journey as thirty years of expressing other people's creative visions while weaving in her own energy and ideology.
She finds deep satisfaction in being an artist, mentioning how work moments feel far removed from everyday chaos. Gitikka references Rumi's poetry to explain how her artistic pursuits have helped her navigate life's roller-coaster. She takes pride in having hosted some of India's most iconic events over the past two decades.
Overcoming Industry Norms
The actress recalls how, when she began stage anchoring, people believed women live hosts had limited shelf lives of just a few years. She defied this norm every five years, continuously engaging in important stage work. Looking back, she feels quite satisfied with her accomplishments.
Behind the Scenes of Dhurandhar
Gitikka reveals that casting director Mukesh Chhabra played a crucial role in her film career, facilitating all her film and OTT castings. When Dhurandhar came her way, she immediately agreed to a screen test upon hearing the director's name. She now celebrates being part of what became India's highest-grossing single-language film.
Managing Sudden Fame
When asked about handling the sudden love and fame following Dhurandhar's success, Gitikka confirms she's thoroughly enjoying and relishing the experience. She acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the film industry but emphasizes that artists must maintain predictable quality in their work, drive, discipline, and vision.
She notes that Dhurandhar has injected fresh energy into her live hosting career as well. Regarding acting opportunities, she enthusiastically declares that the picture has just begun.
On-Set Challenges and Preferences
Interestingly, Gitikka claims she hasn't faced significant professional challenges yet, though she mentions battling illness during Tanaav's shooting. As an experienced artist, few things faze her enough to seem challenging.
However, she confesses to one particular weakness: resisting fried papads on sets. She admits to often walking past them, then turning back to take just one piece.
Personal Philosophy and Daily Routine
Gitikka rejects pressure to conform to specific physical expectations as a public figure. She believes her physicality belongs to her alone, and casting should match actors to appropriate roles. She encourages women to accept and flow through life's different phases without internal pressure.
Her morning routine begins with looking at her palms while reciting a traditional verse about Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Govinda. She then greets her spiritual guide's image, says hello to her dog, lights incense, and asks Alexa to play the Gayatri Mantra.
Food Indulgences and Future Plans
When it comes to cheat meals, Gitikka openly admits her weakness for namkeen and farsaan. She jokes that her eating heart can resist everything else except these savory snacks.
Looking ahead to 2026, she promises to bring hard work, focus, and positivity to her endeavors. She humorously adds that she hopes the year will handle her with care.
Currently, Gitikka enjoys acting the most among her various roles, though she also loves writing and is preparing for a career as a global speaker. Her journey continues to evolve, with Dhurandhar marking a particularly vibrant chapter in her artistic life.
